Welcome to CZ-Mail, the monthly electronic newsletter from the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM). Each issue provides information on major CZM initiatives, available tools and publications, upcoming workshops and events, grants, contracting opportunities, job openings, and other news of interest to people working on coastal issues. Additional information about CZM’s programs, publications, and other coastal topics can be found on the CZM website. To subscribe to CZ-Mail, send a blank email (please be sure that the email is completely blank, with no signature line) to join-env-czmail@listserv.state.ma.us. Also, feel free to share CZ-Mail with colleagues and friends—and if you have any suggestions for future editions or would like to make a change to your subscription, email your request to CZ-Mail@mass.gov. For periodic updates from CZM between CZ-Mail editions, follow us on Twitter/X.
All links on this web page were current and working on the date of publication.
Highlights
CZM Releases the 2023 Rapid Assessment Survey Report - In August 2023, CZM and a team of taxonomic experts completed a five-day Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) of invertebrates and algae associated with floating docks and piers, determining if the species found were native, non-native, or cryptogenic (of unknown origin). Every three to five years, CZM coordinates these recurring surveys to detect new species introductions, document the distribution of established non-native species, and track regional trends through time. The 2023 survey—which is the seventh RAS to sample Maine and Massachusetts marinas since 2000—resulted in the identification of 131 native, 32 non-native, and 50 cryptogenic taxa across nine sites. Among the non-native species identified, an introduced encrusting bryozoan Schizoporella japonica was found at Sandwich Marina in Sandwich, Massachusetts, and at Journey’s End Marina in Rockland, Maine. These identifications represent the first records of S. japonica along the U.S. Atlantic coast. To read the full report, which includes more details on the RAS methodology, taxonomic findings, spatiotemporal trends, and site characterizations, see 2023 Rapid Assessment Survey: Non-Native, Native, and Cryptogenic Marine Species at Maine and Massachusetts Marinas (PDF, 20 MB). Funding for the 2023 RAS was provided by CZM and the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program, Casco Bay Estuary Partnership, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Northeast Aquatic Nuisance Species Panel. See CZM’s Marine Invasive Species Program website for reports from past surveys and to learn more about introduced marine species in Massachusetts. Also, see the following news coverage on this invasive species work:
- As New England waters warm, invasive sea squirts move in - WBUR, 4/22/25
Volunteer for COASTSWEEP 2025! - COASTSWEEP, the annual statewide beach cleanup organized by CZM, officially kicks off on Saturday, September 20. Volunteers throughout Massachusetts turn out in large numbers each year for this event, which is part of the International Coastal Cleanup organized by the Ocean Conservancy. Participants all over the world collect trash and other marine debris and record what they find. This information is then used to help reduce future marine debris problems. There is still plenty of time to sign up to be a local cleanup coordinator for your favorite beach, marsh, dive site, and riverbank—cleanups can be scheduled through early November. Volunteers can also join a scheduled public cleanup. To get involved, see the COASTSWEEP website, which includes a cleanup list that is updated regularly. To receive weekly reminders of new cleanup postings, please send a blank email (completely blank, with no signature line) to join-env-coastsweep-volunteers@listserv.state.ma.us.
Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities
Dam Removal Design Services - The Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) is seeking proposals from municipalities for dam removal preliminary design studies to help landowners and partners assess opportunities and constraints during early planning phases of potential aquatic habitat restoration and climate resilience projects. Chosen projects will be eligible to receive DER technical assistance and technical services from qualified vendors. A question-and-answer period is open until September 15 at 4:00 p.m., and applications are due by October 1 at 4:00 p.m. For details, see How to Apply.
Electronic Monitoring and Reporting Grants - The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is seeking proposals for the 2025-2026 Electronic Monitoring and Reporting Grant Program to fund projects that implement electronic technologies to monitor U.S. fisheries effort, catch, and compliance, as well as improvements to fishery information systems. Proposals are due September 24.
Coastal Program Grants - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking proposals for their Coastal Program, which protects fish and wildlife habitat on public and private lands through cooperative agreements with government, tribal, and nonprofit partners or individuals through technical and financial assistance. Applicants must consult with a local Coastal Program office before developing an application. For application instructions and other information, see the Grant Opportunity on Grants.gov. Applications are due by September 30.
Disaster Supplemental Grants - The U.S. Economic Development Administration is seeking applications for the Fiscal Year 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program to support recovery in areas that received major disaster declarations in 2023 and 2024. Approximately $1.45 billion is available through the Readiness Path (capacity building and strategic planning projects), Implementation Path (construction and non-construction recovery projects), and Industry Transformation Path (multi-project portfolios that transform regional economies through targeted industry development). Eligible applicants include state and local governments, tribes, higher education institutions, public or private nonprofit organizations that work with local government, economic development organizations, and public-private partnerships for public infrastructure. For details, see the Grant Opportunity on Grants.gov. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for Readiness and Implementation projects, and Industry Transformation applications are due by March 3, 2026.
Online Tools and Resources
New Resources and Data from NOAA Digital Coast - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Digital Coast has posted these new resources:
- Coastal Risk Finder - An online interactive tool that provides risk information for various sea level rise and coastal flood situations, adaptation resources, and a list of selected state coastal resilience efforts.
- Coastal Risk Screening Tool - An interactive mapping tool that displays sea level rise and coastal flooding threats around the world.
- New and updated data sets (PDF, 128 KB)
Newsletters and Other Periodicals
Coastal Impacts - The August 2025 issue of Coastal Impacts, the newsletter of Woods Hole Sea Grant, includes stories on using environmental-DNA to study winter flounder populations, erosion impacts resulting in the need to demolish a Wellfleet house, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers teaching ocean science to middle school students, and other Woods Hole Sea Grant news and updates.
MassBays Newsletter - The Summer 2025 issue of the MassBays Newsletter, the quarterly update from the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Partnership (MassBays), covers summer field sampling on the North and South Shores, construction of a bypass for river herring on the South River in Marshfield, a North Shore horseshoe crab survey, and other information and updates from MassBays.
Neponset River Watershed News - August news from the Neponset River Watershed Association includes information about state authority to require water conservation measures during a drought, efforts to save threatened saltmarsh sparrows, and other Neponset River news, upcoming events, and watershed updates.
NOAA HabitatNews - The August 18, 2025 issue of HabitatNews, a newsletter of the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation, includes items on coral restoration in the Florida Keys, coastal restoration in southern California a decade after an oil spill, and other marine fisheries habitat news.
Public Notice/Public Comment
Please note: All official CZM requests for public comment are published in the Public Notices section of the Environmental Monitor, the bi-weekly publication from the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Office.
Reminder: Buzzards Bay Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan - The Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program (NEP) is seeking comments on the draft 2025 Update of the Buzzards Bay Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP), which contains goals and objectives and provides a long-term framework for action to protect and restore water quality and living resources in Buzzards Bay and its watershed. This draft plan revises the 2013 CCMP update to reflect recommendations in the 2023 Buzzards Bay CCMP Climate Vulnerability Assessment, new information or conditions, changes to laws and regulations, new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) CCMP guidelines, comments by reviewers, and other concerns. The 2025 Update also better reflects agency climate resilience objectives. Submit comments to Joe Costa at joe.costa@mass.gov by September 29 at 4:00 p.m.
Jobs/Internships
Education Manager - The Mystic River Watershed Association is seeking an Education Manager to lead a program that provides educational presentations and hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities to youth throughout the watershed. For details, see their Job Opportunities page.
Executive Director - MassBays is seeking an Executive Director to oversee and manage all program operations in support of the MassBays Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan and in coordination with EPA Region 1 and host, University of Massachusetts (UMass) Boston School for the Environment. Responsibilities include fiscal management, planning, funds development and communication, annual budget and work plan development, staff supervision, and regional service provider contract management. Applications are due by September 19. For additional details, see the job listing.
Metropolitan Area Planning Council Positions - The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is seeking applicants for four positions: 1) Assistant Director of Transportation, 2) Community Engagement Planner II, 3) Land Use Generalist Manager, and 4) Senior Economic Development Planner. For details and application instructions, see their Employment Opportunities page.
Orleans Conservation Trust Positions - The Orleans Conservation Trust is seeking applicants for two full-time positions: 1) Communications & Programs Coordinator and 2) Administrative Assistant. For details, see their Now Hiring! page.
School to Sea Director - Salem Sound Coastwatch is seeking a science educator to oversee its School to Sea Program, which brings year-round educational opportunities to more than 5,000 students across the North Shore. For more information and to apply, see their Employment page.
Vice President for Clean Energy and Climate Change - The Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is seeking a Vice President for Clean Energy and Climate Change to lead and implement clean energy and climate change efforts; work closely with other senior leaders outside of CLF to build partnerships; prepare grant proposals, project budgets, and reports; work with the communications team and consultants on campaign plans, messaging, and materials; and represent CLF before partner communities, public officials, supporters, and other audiences. For details, see the job posting.
Right Whale Internship - The Center for Coastal Studies is seeking a seasonal Right Whale Ecology Program vessel observer and photo-ID intern to document the abundance, distribution, and behavior of North Atlantic right whales and their food resource in Cape Cod Bay and adjacent Massachusetts waters. The internship runs from January 5-May 29, 2026. For more information, including application details, see their Employment and Internships page. Applications are due by September 8.
Calendar - Individual Events and Announcements
Introducing the Climate Resilience Playbook - September 10, webinar from MAPC, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, and Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) on the launch of the Climate Resilience Playbook, an online tool to help communities identify and prioritize resilience actions.
Case Studies in Flood Modeling and Adaptation - September 16, webinar on the pragmatic and cooperative approach to sea level rise and coastal storms by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority presented by the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) as part of its Resilient Waters Series.
EBC Leadership Program: Deanna Moran, Chief Coastal Resilience Officer, Commonwealth of Massachusetts - September 17, leadership briefing from EBC with the lead for CZM’s ResilientCoasts initiative to be held in Boston.
Community Resilience Workshop - September 17-18, two-day workshop on environmental justice and community-driven resilience work presented by the Sustainable Solutions Lab and the Center for Environmental Justice Media at the University of Massachusetts Boston with the theme “Bridging Communities Through Hope - Environmental Justice in Current Context.”
New England Water Works Conference - September 21-24, annual conference for drinking water professionals to be held in Rockport, Maine.
Case Studies on PCBs - September 24, fourth in a series of EBC webinars for PCB management professionals.
Evolving Environmental Regulations for a Resilient Future - September 26, an EBC Climate Adaptation Forum presented in collaboration with the Sustainable Solutions Lab at UMass Boston.
Understanding Offshore Wind: Tech, Policy & Potential - September 30, EBC webinar on offshore wind for early career professionals.
National Adaptation Forum—Call for Presentation Proposals - May 12-14, 2026, annual event for climate adaptation professionals to be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Proposals to present are due October 1.
National Coastal Conference 2025 - October 7-10, conference on coastal science, engineering, and policy with the theme “Coasts on the Leading Edge: Bridging Science, Policy and Community” sponsored by the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association to be held in Long Beach, California.
National Zero Waste Conference - October 22-23, virtual conference from Zero Waste USA and partners.
Climate Beacon Conference - October 22-24, 3rd annual Climate Beacon Conference to be held in Boston with a focus on climate solutions.
Ocean Literacy Summit - October 27-28, biennial conference sponsored by the New England Ocean Science Education Collaborative with the theme “Knowing the Ocean: 20 Years of Ocean Literacy” to be held in Freeport, Maine.
National Nonpoint Source Training Workshop - October 27-29, workshop sponsored by NEIWPCC to be held in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Living Shorelines Tech Transfer Workshop - October 29-30, event hosted by Restore America’s Estuaries and Save the Sound on living shorelines to be held in New Haven, Connecticut.
Northeast Erosion Control Conference and Expo - November 3-5, event sponsored by the Northeast Chapter of the International Erosion Control Association with the theme “Save the Soil, Protect the Water” to be held in Westborough.
Lake Management Symposium - November 4-7, 45th International Symposium of the North American Lake Management Society with a focus on “Navigating Change Together: Enhancing Lake, Reservoir, and Watershed Resilience” to be held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Coastal Estuarine Research Conference - November 9-13, biennial conference sponsored by the Coastal Estuarine Research Federation with the theme “Estuaries: Tradition and Transition” to be held in Richmond, Virginia.
Calendar - Multiple/Ongoing Events
Association to Preserve Cape Cod Events - Free events and webinars on natural resources, gardening, and more. Links to free films, recordings of previous webinars, and information from past events are available.
Barnstable Clean Water Coalition Events - Activities and events for all ages throughout Barnstable.
Barnstable Land Trust Events - Programs for children and adults across Barnstable.
Boat Safety Course - Free, in-person course from the Massachusetts Environmental Police held in Commonwealth communities. This course will meet the mandatory boater education requirements for all motorized vessel operators that will begin April 1, 2026.
Boston Harbor Islands Calendar - Upcoming events and activities in the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park.
Boston Harbor Now Events - Events throughout the Boston Harbor area.
Buzzards Bay Coalition - Bay Adventures - Free, guided activities across the Buzzards Bay watershed.
Cape Cod Bird Club Walks and Activities - Free birdwatching field trips across Cape Cod.
Cape Cod Field Schools - Multi-day field courses offered by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.
Cape Cod Maritime Museum Events & Lectures - Upcoming events and lectures for all ages at the museum in Hyannis. Links to recordings of past lectures are also posted.
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History Events - A calendar of events at the museum in Brewster.
Center for Coastal Studies Events - Events and educational programs across the Cape Cod region.
Charles River Watershed Association Events - Upcoming events throughout the Charles River watershed.
Chatham Conservation Foundation Events - Activities and events across Chatham.
Climate Conversations: Pathways to Action - Monthly webinars from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on national policy action on climate change. Recordings of past webinars are also available.
Coastal & Estuarine Research Federation Webinar Series - Monthly science webinars, with recordings of previous webinars available to Federation members.
Conservation Commission Education - Workshops, webinars, and trainings scheduled across Massachusetts and posted by the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC). See the MACC Complete Education Catalog and Events Calendar.
Dam Busters 201 Webinars Series - Lunchtime webinars on dam safety, dam removal financing, and community engagement in Massachusetts sponsored by the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, and Charles River Watershed Association, with links to past webinars and related material.
Ecological Landscaping Alliance Events - Webinars, workshops, tours, and conferences on natural landscaping options, with recordings of past webinars available to Alliance members.
Floodplain Management Training - Various training opportunities compiled by the Department of Conservation and Recreation Flood Hazard Management Program.
Friends of Herring River Events - Upcoming Herring River watershed events in Truro and Wellfleet.
Harwich Conservation Trust Walks & Events - Birding and nature activities.
Healthy and Resilient Communities Research Webinar Series - Periodic community resilience webinars from EPA for local decision makers, with links to Past Webinar Recordings.
Ipswich River Watershed Association Events - Events throughout the watershed focusing on natural resources.
Keep Massachusetts Beautiful Events - Talks and volunteer opportunities across the Commonwealth on litter prevention and cleanup, waste reduction and recycling, beautification and community greening, and environmental education. See the Great Massachusetts Cleanup page for community-wide litter cleanups and park maintenance opportunities.
Lloyd Center for the Environment Calendar - Birding and nature walks and other activities for all ages at the center in Dartmouth.
Marion Natural History Museum Programs - Community and summer programs at the museum in Marion.
Mass Audubon Program Catalog - Programs for children and adults hosted at the following Mass Audubon coastal locations:
- Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary
- Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
- Joppa Flats Education Center
- Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary
- North River Wildlife Sanctuary
- Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Mystic River Watershed Association Calendar - Volunteer events, festivals, learning opportunities, public meetings, and more throughout the watershed.
Nantucket Conservation Foundation Events - Walks, workshops, and community events across Nantucket.
National Marine Sanctuaries Webinars - Webinars hosted by the sanctuary system. See Past Webinar Recordings for descriptions of and links to previous webinars.
Native Plant Trust Classes & Field Studies - Events on plants and landscaping throughout the region.
Neponset River Watershed Association Events - Calendar of opportunities throughout the watershed.
New England Aquarium Events and Programs - Upcoming events, lectures, and programs at the aquarium in Boston. Recordings of past lectures are available on the Aquarium Lecture Series page.
NOAA Digital Coast Training Calendar - A range of NOAA training opportunities, with links to on-demand resources available on the Training page.
NOAA Planet Stewards Programs - Webinars, workshops, and book club sessions from the NOAA Planet Stewards Education Project. See the Webinar Archives for links to selected presentations.
NOAA Science Seminars - Webinars and seminars on science and climate issues from several NOAA partners. Past seminars are catalogued and available.
Nonpoint Source Pollution Technical Exchange Webinars - Periodic webinars from EPA on a variety of nonpoint source pollution topics, with links to previous webinars.
North and South Rivers Watershed Association Events - Event listings on the South Shore.
Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center Webinars - Webinars on climate change, adaptation, and resilience from this center at the UMass Amherst with links to Archived Webinars.
Northeast Monthly Climate Updates - Free webinars from the Northeast Regional Climate Center to address timely weather and climate concerns. Recordings of previous webinars are also available, along with PDF copies of presentation materials.
Northeast Waste Management Officials Association Events - Upcoming webinars and events, with links to past presentations.
Ocean Acidification Outreach Webinars - Webinars from the Northeast Regional Ocean Council on Ocean Acidification Management Needs on September 23 and Ocean Acidification Science Outreach on September 25.
Open Communications for the Ocean Webinars - Periodic webinars on ocean topics, with links to past webinars.
Orleans Conservation Trust Events - Guided walks, programs, and talks in Orleans.
Rainwater Readiness Stormwater Workshops - Free public workshops on municipal stormwater management strategies and financing in Massachusetts presented by the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, with links to previous workshop resources.
Salem Sound Coastwatch Events - Activities and events posted in the Salem Sound region.
Sea Level Calculator Webinars - Four-part webinar series on NOAA’s Sea Level Calculator with demonstrations, hand-on activities, and opportunities to ask questions.
Soak Up the Rain New England Webinar Series - Periodic webinars from EPA that highlight innovative ways to address stormwater, with links to archived webcasts.
Sound in the Sea Webinars - Webinars on underwater sound hosted by the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography. See the Webinar Archives for links to past presentations.
Stone Living Lab Events - Free climate-focused events around Boston Harbor from the lab at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
Trustees Programs - Experiences and opportunities at The Trustees of Reservations properties across the Commonwealth.
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Events - Activities for all ages at the reserve.
Westport River Watershed Alliance Events - Upcoming opportunities in the watershed.
Other Items of Interest
National Preparedness Month - September is National Preparedness Month, which promotes planning for disasters and emergencies, and this year’s theme is “Preparedness Starts at Home.” Find a range of information in English, Spanish, and other languages, including these pages: Make a Plan with tips on how to stay safe and communicate with family during an emergency or disaster; Publications with links to downloadable emergency lists, planning templates, hazard information sheets, and more; and Get Involved with details on volunteering and donating, along with links to trainings and other educational material.